What is the primary tissue specimen collected during an endometrial biopsy?

During an endometrial biopsy, the primary tissue specimen collected is fragments of endometrium. This procedure is specifically designed to obtain a sample of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) for diagnostic purposes. It is commonly performed to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding, assess the presence of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma, and evaluate other uterine conditions.

The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes throughout the menstrual cycle, making it an important tissue to study in the context of reproductive health. Collecting fragments of this tissue allows for histopathological examination under a microscope, helping to identify any abnormalities or diseases.

The other choices, such as the tail of the pancreas, gall bladder, and plaque from an artery, are unrelated to the procedure of an endometrial biopsy and do not pertain to the collection of endometrial tissue. Each of these structures serves different functions in the body and is not involved in the uterine health assessments that an endometrial biopsy aims to perform.